The presence of water on an air conditioning unit is primarily due to moisture condensation.
Understanding AC Condensation
Air conditioners work by cooling warm indoor air. A key component in this process is the evaporator coil, which gets very cold.
The Evaporator Coil's Role
According to the reference, there is water on AC because of moisture condensation along the evaporator coil.
- Cold Refrigerant: Cold refrigerant circulates through the evaporator coil.
- Heat Absorption: As the refrigerant moves through the coil, it absorbs heat from the warm air that passes over it. This cools the air before it's circulated back into your home.
- Moisture Condensation: The surface of the cold evaporator coil is significantly cooler than the dew point of the air passing over it. Just like a cold drink on a hot day collects water droplets on the outside of the glass, moisture in the air condenses onto the cold surface of the coil.
As the reference states, "As the refrigerant evaporates in the coil, it also causes moisture in the air to condense along the coil." This condensed moisture is the water you see.
What Happens to the Water?
Normally, this condensed water drips off the evaporator coil and is collected in a drain pan. From there, it is typically funneled away from the unit through a drain line.
However, if you see water on the AC unit itself (especially around the indoor unit) or notice excessive dripping, it could indicate a problem with this drainage system, such as a clogged drain line or a damaged drain pan.
